Boston Massacre, 1770

Paula Petrik, Professor of History and Art History, George Mason University

Introduction

In response to the Coercive Acts (several acts designed to restructure colonial government and reduce colonial freedoms passed in 1774), the colonies
(except for Georgia) met at Philadelphia in the
First Continental Congress. Along with a declaration of principle, the delegates also elected to boycott all British goods and cease exporting American
products to Britain and its possessions. Women like those in North Carolina joined with their male counterparts and refused to buy and use British products,
especially tea. You may wish to review the particulars of the Coercive Acts in your textbook before dealing with the questions.